29 February 2012

CTU supports a fair share for those who care

CTU President Helen Kelly said today that the CTU supports members of the New Zealand Nurses Organisation (NZNO) and Service and Food Workers Union Ngā Ringa Tota (SFWU), who are going on strike tomorrow seeking a fair wage increase from Oceania.

“Offering a paltry pay increase and winding down employment conditions in pursuit of profit is not the answer to a sustainable sector or engaged workforce. Carers do an incredibly important job, it can be stressful, there is a lot of responsibility and they invest a lot of themselves into the work.”

“The residents and their families know that carers go the extra mile for residents every day and are supportive of the workforce. But management refuses to budge in negotiations and leaves little option for the carers but to strike.”

“This strike comes after eight months of bargaining and eight months of Oceania refusing to meet the 3.5% staff are seeking. Oceania has offered 1% a year for three years, which doesn’t come close to matching the increases in costs these workers are facing. We are supporting these workers in their action,” said Helen Kelly.

Oceania facilities affected by the strike:

AUCKLAND: Elmwood Village (131 Hill Rd., Manurewa), Wesley Village, Meadowbank Village, Franklin Village, Takanini Lodge & Everil Orr

NORTH ISLAND: Taupo: Wharerangi & St Johns Wood; Paeroa: Ohinemuri; Tokoroa: Tokoroa LifeCare; Taradale: Atawhai; Dannevirke: Rahiri; Palmerston North: Chiswick Park & Palmerston Manor; Upper Hutt: Elderslea

SOUTH ISLAND: Motueka: Woodlands; Christchurch: Villa Gardens & The Oaks; Rangiora: Holmwood; Dunedin: Red Roofs

ENDS

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